Katie Lamendola Named Player Of Week In Florida

After Katie Lamendola graduated from in 2009, she took her soccer game to Barry University in Miami, Florida. Three years later, she’s playing so well that she was named Defensive Player of the Week last month by the Sunshine State Conference

According to the SSC website, Lamendola “led the Buccaneers to a pair of shutouts over regional opponents. Playing in front of a third-string goalkeeper due to a rash of keeper injuries, Lamendola and the Buc defense allowed just five shots on goal to both Georgia College and Valdosta State in a pair of 3-0 Barry victories.”

It’s a lot of work, said Lamendola, but she loves it.

“Playing college soccer is a huge commitment,” Lamedola said. “At times it is a balancing act of college classes, individual study and social activities, along with the full-time job of being a collegiate athlete.

“Being a college athlete is very fulfilling and when I came in as a freshman I was already a part of something and it made the adjustment into college life easier knowing I had 23 other girls in the same boat. The girls I have met through soccer at Barry have become some of my best friends.”

As tight as she is with her teammates, Lamendola said she misses her family a lot and plans to return to New England after she graduates.

“Miami is great place for college, they have everything you look for, perfect weather almost all year round, and an assortment of bars and clubs to satisfy your night-time adventures, but I can not wait to return north!” she said. “Call me crazy but I can't wait to come home to the cold weather!”

Just what she plans to do after college, she still not quite sure.

“I am leaning towards going back to school and taking my education farther and doing something in the medical field,” Lamendola said.

In the meantime, soccer and her studies beckon. Barry is 5-6 on the season so far this year - with playoff hopes still alive.